Building on Burns' work

KENNEBUNK — Looking to the future, Melissa Condon said "it's time for new beginnings" as she continues the business her late mentor operated for more than 40 years.

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By Samantha Stephens

seacoastonline.com

By Samantha Stephens

Posted Nov. 15, 2012 at 2:00 AM

By Samantha Stephens

Posted Nov. 15, 2012 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

KENNEBUNK — Looking to the future, Melissa Condon said "it's time for new beginnings" as she continues the business her late mentor operated for more than 40 years.

Condon, a stylist at Razor's Edge on Portland Road in Kennebunk, has been with the company for 23 years, and when owner Bridget Burns passed away on May 15, 2012, it soon became obvious to Condon that she had to step up.

"This is what I felt in my heart was right," Condon said.

Condon said she is surrounded by a "great group of girls" who help her maintain the facility. The most recent addition to the company was hired approximately two months ago, but Condon said the other employees have been with the company for several years.

"We keep it going and keep it fun," she said.

Although she plans on remembering Burns and keeping her memory alive in the business, Condon said she has some plans to renovate and update the salon, including giving the space a makeover.

Condon said Burns liked "muted" colors, but she wants to change the white walls and create something "more uplifting."

"It's been very blasé for quite some time, we need something different," she said.

Other changes will include a waiting area complete with new furniture, but Condon said it will be an ongoing process and she's not going to tackle everything at once, explaining that it takes "time and money."

But when it comes to dishing out the dollars, Condon said she's happy to say she's changing the prices of haircuts to make it more affordable for local families and individuals who have been affected by the economy.

During the month of December, Condon has created daily discounts such as "Working Women Wednesday," which includes a $2 discount on women's cuts. Each day has a different special, offering incentives for the whole family, and after the month of December there will be other specials offered in the spring.

"I hope people can come in more without breaking the basket," Condon said. "The economy has been tough on people and it's tough to maintain that six to eight week appointment."

Another addition to the business is facial waxing services, including brow, lip and chin waxing.

Ever since she was a young girl Condon said she wanted to work in hair design, so even the challenges of transitioning from an employee to an employer, and the challenges of renovation and the economy, aren't keeping her spirits down.

"I wouldn't want to do anything else, I don't want to give it up," she said.

Describing the salon and the stylists as "doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs" who listen to their clients and engage in their stories, Condon said there's a lot of pride in owning a business that has been so successful within the community for more than 40 years.

"People have been coming in for generations. I get kids in my chair who are 2 years old and their parents used to come in when they were 2 years old," Condon said. "I like talking to my customers, everyone has their own story."

And even with all of the changes in store, Condon said the central values that Burns built her success on will continue.

"I want to be just like Bridget. I want to be the kind of boss that's a good listener," Condon said. "We want to continue what Bridget started."